ATLANTA (WJBF) — Across Georgia, educators are advocating for a significant revision of the public school funding framework, pointing out that the existing decades-old system no longer aligns with the current needs of classrooms.
The Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) is pressing state authorities to revamp the Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula. This formula, which determines the financial allocation to school districts from the state, was implemented in 1985 and remains at the core of the state’s public education funding strategy.
“QBE stands for Quality Basic Education Act, passed in 1985 to fund public education in Georgia,” explained Lisa Morgan, president of the Georgia Association of Educators. “We’re still relying on that same formula 42 years after it was first created.”
The association contends that the current system is outdated and fails to meet the evolving requirements of schools and students. They are urging legislators to ensure funding for areas such as student poverty, mental health services, support for English language learners, transportation, and classroom technology becomes a permanent part of the state’s funding model.
Morgan highlighted that many of these essential expenses receive insufficient funding or are handled through separate grants rather than being integrated into the primary QBE framework.
“Transportation is not fully funded in the QBE formula,” Morgan said. “There are other things that are just not there. Georgia is one of only six states that does not address poverty in the community when we fund our schools.”
Educators also said technology has dramatically changed teaching and learning since the formula was created more than four decades ago.
“There are a lot of things that we need in our public schools now that weren’t around in 1985,” Morgan said. “There was one computer in the school on a cart that was wheeled around. Now we have one-to-one technology where each student has technology.”
The group argues those technology needs should become a permanent part of the state’s education funding formula instead of relying on temporary funding sources.
The Georgia Department of Education notes that recent state budgets have provided additional grant funding to help school districts hire social workers and expand access to student mental health services. However, those investments are made outside the traditional QBE formula.
Advocates said incorporating those priorities into the state’s permanent funding model would provide greater stability and predictability for local school districts.
The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute also points to staffing concerns under the current funding system. According to the organization, the formula funds one school counselor for every 450 students, well above the recommended ratio of one counselor for every 250 students recommended by the American School Counselor Association.
Education advocates argue additional investments would allow schools to better address students’ academic, emotional, and mental health needs.
Lawmakers and education advocacy groups are continuing to gather feedback on potential changes to the QBE formula.
Any legislation to revise Georgia’s school funding system is expected to be considered during the 2027 legislative session, when lawmakers return to the State Capitol in January.